A native of Kentucky, Paul Starrett Sample studied at Dartmouth. Following graduation and a four year battle with Tuberculosis, he moved West to California in 1925 where he studied under Jonas Lie at the Otis Art Institute. He also received private instruction from Frank Tolles Chamberlin and Stanton MacDonald-Wright. Sample began instructing at the University of Southern California and later served as chair of the art department.

He returned to the east coast permanently in 1938 and was appointed artist-in-residence at Dartmouth. Two years later he was elected membership to the National Academy of Design.